We begin with a Playlet to tell the Story of Hypatia.
(Participants receive candles from Minions as they gather in
Circle.)(Drummers drum.)(Spirit dancers spin about the Circle and guide audience into
a tighter ring. The idea is to herd the visitors into a uniform,
tight circle. Smudgers move around smudging participants.)(HP and HPS move around Circle greeting the participants. Then they
return to the High Altar.)
HP: "Welcome to this our honoring of Hypatia of Alexandria.
Ours too is a time of transition.
Be it known that the ritual is about to begin.
Let none be here but of their own free will.
Be it known that the practice of our religion involves secrets,
even in this, the Outer Court.
Share with no one on the outside
the names of those gathered in this Circle tonight.
Shut off your cell phones, beepers, and NO FLASH CAMERAS.
Some of us here are still closeted!"
HPS: "You have not arrived here by chance.
You have put yourself on this Path long ago.
We shall walk some of it together and rejoice.
We first began in past sorrows, in past lives.
We were of the Wicca,
gazing at the stars, feeling deep unnamed secrets;
touching the Earth in joy and sensing life within;
seeing birth and knowing that it was a miracle,
a Mystery, a joy;
being still in the forest,
being warm in the water...
We are all lights,
and we follow the Path through the Goddess, and sometimes the God,
by all Their names,
and in growing, we experience the darkness,
and we grow in brightness,
following the cycles of Moon and Sun,
for light and dark are one."
HP: "And now, let us begin."
(Ring bell three times.)CASTING THE CIRCLE:
HPS: "Minions, close the gates. Let us now cast our Circle."
(Minions from the Quarters cast Circle all moving clockwise with
sword, chain, axe, and other props. Drummers drum.)
Group Chant: "We cast this Circle round and round,
By its magick we are bound."
(Minions return to their Quarters.)(HPS places point of athame in salt and adds three portions of salt
to the water.)
HPS: "We cleanse our Circle with Water and Salt."
(Minion takes up salt water and proceeds around circle. Drummers
drum.)
Group Chant: "First with water, then with salt,
I cleanse our space within this vault."
(Minion returns to High Altar.)(HP lights cauldron of sage, lets it flame and then smothers it.)
HP: "We cleanse our Circle with Smoke and Fire."
(HP takes up smoking cauldron of sage and hands it to Minion.
Minion proceeds around Circle. Drummers drum.)
Group Chant: "Air and smoke fill this place
Make our circle sacred space."
(Minion returns to High Altar.)(Ring bell.)
HPS:
"The Circle is cast!
The Bell is rung,
The Candles are lit,
The Chant is sung.
The Book is opened,
The Altar is set,
The Cauldron is stirred,
The Group is met.
We now proclaim to everyone
That this, our Ritual, has begun!"
(Tap altar three times with Athame.)
HP: "Be welcome here as we gather to honor
and conjure Hypatia of Alexandria.
Philosopher, Mathematician, and Astronomer,
Wise Woman of the Ancient World.
She was condemned as a Witch, and died the death of a Witch.
Feel her presence with us here tonight,
as we work our magick in her memory."
QUARTER CALLS:
HPS: "Drawing upon the mathematics of Hypatia's time, we call the
energies of the Quarters starting in the East. Let the drums
sound!"
(The East Caller and troop walk around the circle and up to the
High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
East: "Come, Energies of the Parabola, Aspect of Air: A solitary,
open curve drawing the light of the skies to a single point."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(East Caller and troop return to their Quarter. The South Caller
and troop walk around the circle and up to the High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
South: "Come, Energies of the Hyperbola, Aspect of Fire: An open
curve, matched by its mirror-opposite, swinging in from the
far-reaches of the heavens, then gone again, never to be captured.
We see you, in the path of the shadow of the tip of a sundial."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(South Caller and troop return to their Quarter. The West Caller
and troop walk around the circle and back to the High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
West: "Come, Energies of the Ellipse, Aspect of Water: A closed
curve circling nearer and then farther, like the waves of the sea.
You are the sum of two centers, one near and one distant, like the
Goddess and the God."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(West Caller and troop return to their Quarter. The North Caller
and troop walk around the circle and back to the High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
North: "Come, Energies of the Circle, Aspect of the Earth: A closed
curve of single center, grounded, most perfect of shapes. From your
sacred center, all points are a constant distance."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(North Caller and troop return to their Quarter.)
HPS: "We are between the worlds,
Beneath the Darkness of the New Moon,
Beyond the bounds of time,
Where day and night,
Birth and death,
Joy and sorrow,
Meet as one."
HP: We remember the time of the ancients before the Fall of
Darkness. Knowledge and inquiry were prized in Alexandria.
Among the brightest of the philosophers stood Hypatia:
Teacher, astronomer, athlete and beauty.
We reach out to her for inspiration.
She was a learned woman among men.
Her disciples were the rising elite of the city.
She was feared and hated by those who would preach superstition.
She stood for reason and philosophy, and was martyred by the mob.
We look to you, Hypatia, as we face our own darkness.
CHARGE OF THE PHILOSOPHER GODDESS:
Hypatia: "I am the light behind and beyond the shadows.
I am the renewal that awaits at the bottom of the dark.
I am the ending before life begins again,
the never-ending struggle to reclaim that which is denied.
I am the key that unlocks every door.
I am the glory of discovery,
Come to my fiery Cauldron of Wisdom
Swim to Me through the blackest oceans
the Goddess of Wisdom will set you free."
THE WORKING MAGICK:
HP: "The spirit dancers will now light your candles."
(Quarter teams light candles within their Quarters. Spirit dancers
deliver candles to those who do not have one.)
HPS: "Let our dear ones who have gone before,
join us this night to make merry with us.
Stare into the fire and see to the inside of Hades."
(Drummers drum.)
HP: "We stand between Middle Earth and Other World.
We face the womb of the Great Goddess
from which all things are born and reborn again.
CALL OUT THE NAMES of your departed loved ones
while tonight the veil between the worlds is especially thin."
HPS: "Let it be in this same place and this same time
that you may meet and know your departed loved ones,
and love them once again."
HP: "We will meet our departed loved ones here tonight.
We will also meet our own darker selves."
HPS: "Look into your dark self. See it for what it is.
Your dark self is a part of you. Deny it no longer.
Accept the darkness and let it join with the light,
that you may be made whole."
(Drummers drum. Spirit dancers circle about widdershins inside the
circle. The people call out names.)
HP: "Dancers stand still! Bring forth the Wreath of Remembrance!"
(Minions carry wreath up beside the fire.)
HPS: "This wreath carries with it the ribbons you tied onto it in
remembrance of your departed. Into the fire!"
(Minions toss wreath into fire.)
HP: "People come forward, one by one, two by two,
and toss your candle into our fire,
the Cauldron of Transformation."
(Leaders and Quarter Teams advance to fire to toss in their
candles. Then they turn around to encourage others.)(Wait for everyone to finish tossing candles into the fire.)
HPS: "We have not even to risk this adventure alone,
For the heroes of all time have gone before us.
The maze is thoroughly known.
We have only to follow the thread of the hero path,
And where we had thought to find an abomination,
we shall find a Goddess.
And where we had thought to slay another,
We shall slay ourselves.
Where we had thought to travel outward,
We shall come to the center of our own existence.
And where we had thought to be alone,
We shall be with all the world."
HP: "And now it is time for cakes and ale."
(Cakes, cups, and ale { root beer with strawberry soda } are
distributed by the Minions.)
HP (gesturing upward): "Great Lady, our thanks to you.
We give you back what is your due."
(HP picks up one cake from the High Altar and crumbles it to the
ground.)(HP then picks up a cake and feeds it to the HPS.)(All eat.)(Ring the bell three times.)
(HPS pours a small amount of ale onto the earth. HPS holds the
chalice. The HP places his athame in the goblet.)
HP: "Athame to chalice makes them one,
Goddess of Moon and God of the Sun.
A symbol we have for the Great Rite.
May its magick continue by day and by night.
The message is there for all the Earth
to unite in a way that will bring us mirth.
Joining together now we celebrate
as Goddess and God, as mate to mate."
HP & HPS together:
"Thus through these symbols we unite,
For we are one, all on this night."
(Both salute the circle and drink.)
HPS: "Life is a Circle,
Our ties last forever,
We pass through the Cauldron,
And go 'round together."
HP: "Eat, drink, and be happy, as happy as we.
Share and give thanks. So mote it be."
(Drumming.)
HP: "Paper cups into the fire!"
HPS: "We are not done yet! Minions, bring forth my cauldrons!
It is time for you to gather a Wanderer to yourself.
I sit, polishing stones of prophesy and defense,
knowing that, each of you is on a journey.
Serapes Himself bows to my wisdom.
I forge these stones of power and prophecy,
offering up gifts from which you may draw your own.
Draw from my icy cauldrons, a stone."
(Minion hold plates of stones. HPS drops them into cauldron.)
HP:
"A white stone for Luna, meaning a woman of divination will enter
your life.
A yellow stone for Sol, meaning you will enter a center of power,
prosperity, or protection.
An orange stone for Mercury, meaning you will encounter magickal
knowledge and travel.
A green stone for Venus, meaning you will encounter love.
A red stone for Mars, meaning you will experience defense or
attack.
A brown stone for Jupiter, meaning you will experience royalty.
A blue stone for Saturn, meaning you will learn your
limits."
(Minions at their Quarter Altars and pull out their cauldrons.)
HP: "Draw a stone foretelling the fate of your remaining years.
Reach into this dark place that you may learn from what is caught
by your hand. Gather a Wanderer to you. Remember:
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."
HPS: "Our Minions will stand at their Quarters with a cauldron of
stones. Come forward and gather a Wanderer to you."
(More Drumming. Minion carries High Altar of stones to Drummers.)
HP: "And now, we are done. Carry home with you the Wanderer you
have gathered to yourself. Remember:
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."
THE DISMISSAL:
HPS: "It is now time for the Dismissal.
Spirits of the departed. Thank you for joining us at this time when
the veil is so thin. Be on your way now. The dawn soon approaches."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
HP: "And now it is time to dismiss the energies of the elements,
moving widdershins, starting with the North."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(North Caller and troop circle to High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
(North)
"Farewell, Energies of the Circle, Aspect of the Earth: Closed
curve of single center, grounded, most perfect of shapes. From your
center, all points are a constant distance. Thank you. Our time is
done."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(North Caller and troop return to their Quarter. West Caller and
troop circle to High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
(West)
"Farewell, Energies of the Ellipse, Aspect of Water: Closed curve
circling nearer and then farther like the waves of the sea. The sum
of two centers, one near and one distant, like the Goddess and the
God. Thank you. Our time is done."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(West Caller and troop return to their Quarter. South Caller and
troop circle to High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
(South)
"Farewell, Energies of the Hyperbola, Aspect of Fire: Open curve,
matched by its mirror opposite, swinging in from the far-reaches of
the heavens, then gone again, never to be captured. We see you in
the path of the shadow of the tip of a sundial. Thank you. Our time
is done."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(South Caller and troop return to their Quarter. East Caller and
troop circle to High Altar.)
HP: "Let the words be spoken!"
(East)
"Farewell, Energies of the Parabola, Aspect of Air: Solitary open
curve drawing the light of the skies to a single point. Thank you.
Our time is done."
HPS: "Let the drums sound!"
(East Caller and troop return to their Quarter.)
HP: "Now our Ritual is ended. Let all be as it was before."
HPS: "May the Circle be open, but unbroken
May the peace of the Goddess be ever in your heart,
Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again."
HP: "It is our tradition that, following each Ritual, we hug one
another."
******************************************
CAST:
HPS -
HP-
Hypatia -
Smudgers -
Spirit Dancers -
East Quarter -
North Quarter -
West Quarter -
South Quarter -
Quarter Minions -
Altar Minions -
Wreath Schlepers -
PROPS:
Conic Sections 5 Cauldrons
Candles in baskets Colored stones
Cauldron w/ sage Bell
Sword Paper Cups
Wreath & Ribbons
Plates
Candles
Cakes
Root Beer & Strawberry Soda
4 Pitchers
4 Baskets
RESOURCES:Agora, the DVD on Amazon about Hypatia:
http://www.amazon.com/Agora-Rachel-Weisz/dp/B003EYVXXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315612596&sr=8-1
Movie Review of Agora:
http://www.MoonpathCUUPS.org/hypatiaHypatia and Alexandria, the Documentary:
http://yourtvsite.com/hypatia-and-alexandria-documentary/Hypatia of Alexandria by Maria Dzielska (Harvard University Press)
http://www.amazon.com/Hypatia-Alexandria-Revealing-Antiquity-Dzielska/dp/0674437764/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320003407&sr=1-1
The Quarter Calls are a blend of analytical geometry and Pagan incantations.
The correspondences for the Seven Wanderers are derived from Cornelius Agrippa,
sage of the Middle Ages who drew upon still more ancient sources.
See www.alchemy-works.com/planetary_corresp.htmlQuarter Team Scripts
East: "Come, Energies of the Parabola, Aspect of Air: A solitary,
open curve drawing the light of the skies to a single point."
"Farewell, Energies of the Parabola, Aspect of Air: Solitary open
curve drawing the light of the skies to a single point. Thank you.
Our time is done."
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."
South: "Come, Energies of the Hyperbola, Aspect of Fire: An open
curve, matched by its mirror-opposite, swinging in from the
far-reaches of the heavens, then gone again, never to be captured.
We see you, in the path of the shadow of the tip of a sundial."
"Farewell, Energies of the Hyperbola, Aspect of Fire: Open curve,
matched by its mirror opposite, swinging in from the far-reaches of
the heavens, then gone again, never to be captured. We see you in
the path of the shadow of the tip of a sundial. Thank you. Our time
is done."
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."
West: "Come, Energies of the Ellipse, Aspect of Water: A closed
curve circling nearer and then farther, like the waves of the sea.
You are the sum of two centers, one near and one distant, like the
Goddess and the God."
"Farewell, Energies of the Ellipse, Aspect of Water: Closed curve
circling nearer and then farther like the waves of the sea. The sum
of two centers, one near and one distant, like the Goddess and the
God. Thank you. Our time is done."
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."
North: "Come, Energies of the Circle, Aspect of the Earth: A closed
curve of single center, grounded, most perfect of shapes. From your
sacred center, all points are a constant distance."
"Farewell, Energies of the Circle, Aspect of the Earth: Closed
curve of single center, grounded, most perfect of shapes. From your
center, all points are a constant distance. Thank you. Our time is
done."
Luna: A white stone means woman of divination.
Sol: Yellow means center of power, prosperity, protection.
Mercury: Orange means magical knowledge and travel
Venus: Green means love.
Mars: Red means defense or attack.
Jupiter: Brown means royalty.
Saturn: Blue means learning your limits."